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Christmastime in the Heart of Germany

Traverse Germany on a festive itinerary along the fascinating Main River – designed by Avalon Waterways to cultivate the Christmas spirit.

Guests enjoy the opportunity to explore and shop across a range of merry Christmas Markets – sampling local delicacies and learning about local culture.

Acting as your home for five nights, is the marvellous Avalon Illumination – an extravagant vessel decked out full of Christmas Cheer.

4.7
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from 235 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
  • Ship: Avalon Illumination
  • Duration: 5 Nights
  • Departure: Nov - Dec
FROM
£2,270 pp
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Christmastime in the Heart of Germany Cruise Prices

Price per person
Dec 01, 2026
£3,713 pp
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Dec 06, 2026
£3,341 pp
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Dec 11, 2026
£3,377 pp
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Dec 13, 2026
£2,270 pp
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Dec 14, 2026
£3,377 pp
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Nov 29, 2027
£2,785 pp
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Dec 01, 2027
£2,785 pp
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Dec 04, 2027
£2,785 pp
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Dec 06, 2027
£3,905 pp
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Dec 09, 2027
£2,705 pp
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Dec 11, 2027
£2,505 pp
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Christmastime in the Heart of Germany Cruise Itinerary

Tour iconic sites, learn about local culture and lean into the festive spirit on this six-day itinerary through Germany. Adventure through a range of extravagant Christmas Markets, shopping and sampling local delicacies along the way.

Day 1

Arrive to Nuremberg (EMBARK)

Welcome to Nuremberg; board the Avalon Illumination and spend the rest of the afternoon settling into your luxurious floating hotel.

Day 2

Nuremberg

For today, opt to join a guided tour of either Nuremberg’s medieval architecture or the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds.
Later, enjoy some free time to browse through the city’s splendid Christmas Markets.

Day 3

Bamberg

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Bamberg – featuring dozens of nativity scenes.
Later, take some free time to explore the city’s Christmas Markets and sample local delicacies.
This evening, enjoy an onboard lecture on Christmas traditions while sailing.

Day 4

Wurzburg

Take a guided sightseeing tour of the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’ – featuring its many historic attractions. Guests may also opt into an excursion to Rothenburg to visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum.
Your day concludes with free time to browse the city’s festive markets.
*Optional Paid Excursion: ‘Rothenburg, Jewel of the Middle Ages’

Day 5

Miltenberg

Spend the day on a guided tour of Miltenberg. After, return to your ship for a German Cookie Baking Demonstration while sailing.

Day 6

Depart Frankfurt (DISEMBARK)

After a hearty breakfast, disembark from your ship and begin journeying home.

CHRISTMASTIME IN THE HEART OF GERMANY CRUISE SHIPS

Live Ship Tracking & Recent Routes

This shows the ship’s current location and recent routes. Actual sailing itineraries may vary by departure date.

Trustpilot Reviews

Christmastime in the Heart of Germany Deals

Dive head first into a festive adventure this Christmastime

Avalon Waterways
Departure: Nov to Dec
VISITING: Nuremberg Bamberg Würzburg Miltenberg Frankfurt
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM £ 2,270 pp
Avalon Waterways
Departure: Nov to Dec
VISITING: Budapest (EMBARK) Vienna Krems / Melk Passau Regensburg Nuremberg Regensburg (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM £ 2,318 pp
Avalon Waterways
Departure: November
VISITING: Nuremberg (EMBARK) Nuremberg Regensburg Passau Melk / Wachau Valley / Vienna Vienna Budapest Budapest (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM £ 2,959 pp
Avalon Waterways
Departure: Nov to Dec
VISITING: Basel Breisach / Black Forest Strasbourg Mainz / Heidelberg Rüdesheim / Koblenz Cologne Amsterdam
BENEFITS: Flights & Transfers Inc.All InclusiveDaily Excursions
FROM £ 3,035 pp

Christmastime in the Heart of Germany Cruise Review

“A lot of fun for both of us; my husband enjoyed exploring the Christmas Markets almost as much as I did! There was a LOT of food we both wanted to try, and its safe to say we came home with a lot of souvenirs.”

Holly Park, Liverpool

Christmastime in the Heart of Germany FAQs

What can guests expect of customer service aboard the Avalon Illumination?

Aboard the Avalon Illumination – guests can expect the diligent service of our friendly, English-speaking crew, Cruise Director and Avalon Adventure Host.

Is there an extended version of this itinerary?

Available for booking is an alternative itinerary featuring two additional nights’ stay at a hotel in Prague: ‘Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague’.

What are ‘Additional Paid Excursions’?

Although the price of your cruise includes access to a range of included tours, tastings and activities – Avalon Waterways makes a point of hand-selecting some additional excursions guests may wish to pay to participate in.

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